We have learned that all seven of the spiritual qualities listed by Peter in this passage are true and essential “virtues” of the Christian life. We can't pick and choose the ones we want. We need them all! We must diligently cultivate them all.
The first virtue that we are to add to our faith is “virtue” (v. 5). Is this confusing? Just remember that the word “virtue” in verse 5 simply means moral excellence. This moral excellence must be provided for in our faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior. God does not recognize or reward good character or virtue apart from saving faith in His Son.
Our zeal in courageously pursuing Christlike moral excellence must be tempered with knowledge – the second virtue listed by Peter. Otherwise it may be said of us, as Paul said of the Jews in Romans 10:22, that they had “a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”
Are you growing in your personal knowledge of Christ? You will never fully “master” this subject because Jesus is the wisdom of the infinite God personified (1 Cor. 1:24, 30). In Him are hid “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). You must be growing in the knowledge of Christ, or you will not grow in the grace of God.
Are you seeking to know Him and His ways through the study of God's Word? Have you developed the spiritual skill – the reflex -- of applying God's Word to the circumstances of your life? Your pursuit of Christlikeness and moral excellence will not last long unless you do!
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Bob Vradenburgh is the senior pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has spent 40 years in full-time Christian service: the first 20 years as a missionary and the past 20 years in the pastorate. Bob’s passion is the expository preaching of God’s Word,...
